Carbon Sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate climate change. It involves the long-term removal, capture, and storage of carbon from the atmosphere in order to slow or reverse the accumulation of greenhouse gases and reduce global warming.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbon sequestration can occur through both natural and artificial processes, with natural processes including photosynthesis, soil carbon storage, and ocean carbon absorption.
2. Artificial carbon sequestration methods include carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, which involve capturing CO2 from industrial sources and storing it underground or using it in other products.
3. Forests, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems play a crucial role in carbon sequestration by absorbing and storing atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis and soil carbon storage.
4. Geological carbon sequestration involves injecting and storing CO2 deep underground in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, or other suitable geological formations.
5. Effective carbon sequestration is essential for mitigating climate change and reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of photosynthesis in the carbon sequestration process.
  • Photosynthesis is a key natural process that contributes to carbon sequestration. During photosynthesis, plants and some microorganisms use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and energy in the form of sugar. This process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in the form of organic carbon compounds within the plants and their supporting ecosystems. The carbon stored in plant biomass and soil can remain sequestered for long periods, effectively reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Describe the different methods of artificial carbon sequestration and how they work.
  • In addition to natural carbon sequestration processes, there are also artificial methods that involve the capture and storage of carbon dioxide. One of the primary artificial methods is carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which involves capturing CO2 from industrial sources, such as power plants or manufacturing facilities, and then storing it underground in geological formations like depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers. Another artificial method is the use of carbon dioxide as a feedstock for the production of various products, such as building materials or fuels, effectively removing it from the atmosphere and storing it in a more stable form.
• Analyze the importance of effective carbon sequestration in the context of planetary evolution and climate change mitigation.
  • Effective carbon sequestration is crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change and supporting the long-term evolution of planetary systems. As the Earth's atmosphere continues to accumulate greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, the resulting global warming and climate change pose significant threats to the planet's ecosystems and the well-being of human societies. By capturing and storing atmospheric carbon through both natural and artificial means, carbon sequestration helps to reduce the overall concentration of greenhouse gases, slowing the rate of climate change and allowing more time for the development of sustainable solutions. This, in turn, supports the ongoing evolution of the Earth's systems, preserving the delicate balance of the biosphere and enabling the continued habitability of the planet for future generations.

Related terms

Photosynthesis:

The process by which plants and some microorganisms use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.

Carbon Cycle:

The biogeochemical cycle in which carbon is exchanged between the Earth's biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Geological Carbon Sequestration: The process of injecting and storing carbon dioxide deep underground in geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers.